PNVF says PVL can push through with import-less conference

July 9, 2023 Times Europe

A general view of a PVL game between Petro Gazz and Foton at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) can push through with its third conference as long as the tournament will not feature any imports.

The federation on Sunday reaffirmed its decision to prohibit the PVL from staging an import-spiced conference after the league failed to comply with the FIVB’s National Team period from May 16 to October 15.

“If they’re not tapping foreign players, PNVF will not call their attention. I don’t like the word sanction. I didn’t sanction them,” said Suzara during a press conference at Mall of Asia arena on Sunday.

“I just reminded them that it’s the national team calendar, they should not have a club league. Players should be focused on the national team only.”

Suzara said the PNVF won’t issue international transfer certificates (ITC) to foreign players, preventing club teams from acquiring foreign hires for the Reinforced Conference.

“If you get foreign players, you need to secure international transfer certificates (ITC). It’s still the national team calendar and we have a lot of tournaments to participate in, they realized why the lineup changes from the SEA Games,” said Suzara.

“I don’t blame the PVL or the club because they have their own investment for their players,” he added.

PVL president Ricky Palou, who is also a PNVF board member, had said the league is determined to stage its season-ending conference even minus imports.

“The teams are not [worried.] For them, with or without imports we’ll have a third conference e. They’re after the exposure. They really want a conference whether there are imports or not, I’m sure they will want to go on,” Palou said last June 29.